With nearly 900 children up for adoption in the state of Florida, the process can seem overwhelming.
Developers of the new online science based program called Family-Match are using data science and innovative adoption-matching technology to make the process easier.
Janet and Rohan Neita have two biological boys, but they would like to adopt a little girl. They recently completed their Family-Match program in hopes of speeding up the adoption process. The Neita family called the Family-Match program a game-changer.
"When I actually tell people about it, I reference dating websites," Janet explained.
Janet's Family-Match profile included photos, a detailed letter to case workers, and answers to her compatibility assessment. Child welfare agencies across the state now have access to her information.
"What this does is create a state wide repository for all available children and all available families," Dr. Elizabeth Wynter said.
Dr. Wynter is the Selfless Love Foundation's Executive Director. The nonprofit organization was established in 2015. They're working to spread the word about Family-Match in hopes of transforming the lives of children and teens in foster care.
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"Because of the Selfless Love Foundation support there is no cost for this roll out in Florida," said Dr. Wynter. "No cost to the agencies or to the families."
She encouraged anyone adopting to enroll with Family-Match. As of right now there are close to 400 families in the system.
"What Family-Match does is help reduce the time of adoption placement by providing once source and one database," said Dr. Wynter.
Adoption-Share, a nonprofit tech company, invented Family-Match. You can find more information at the Selfless Love Foundation.
